Sony has quietly released a new Satin Silver version of the PlayStation 3 in Japan. The PS3 Slim model in Satin Silver will be available to Japanese consumers in both 160GB and 320GB versions on the console.

While quantities are limited it will include a Satin Silver DualShock 3 controller, as well as both a USB and AV cable. The optional Satin Silver stand will be available separately when it arrives on Japanese retailer shelves on March 10th. Sony is currently mum about the possibility of it being available in other regions.

In addition to the Satin Silver PS3, Sony is also apparently releasing a brand new smaller and lighter version of its Blu-Ray remote control for the PlayStation 3. While it is slated to arrive in Japan on March 31st, it is believed that this remote will make it to other regions eventually.

The new remote includes universal remote technology to allow it to control the TV as well as other devices. We know for sure, according to our sources, that this remote will not be available in Satin Silver, only in plain old black.

As part of the new Xbox.com website make over, Microsoft also apparently has decided to rebrand “Xbox Live Silver” as well. Going forward, Xbox Live Silver is now known as Xbox Live Free. There is no word yet if Microsoft intends to rebrand Xbox Live Gold to Xbox Live Paid, but we don’t think it is going to happen.

From sources we have spoken with, the decision to rebrand Xbox Live Silver was nothing more than a decision to make it a better fit within the redesign of the website as well as the new “lifestyle” theme that seems to have been brought on by the upcoming launch of Kinect.

Rumors of a third paid membership tier continue, but despite our best efforts we have not been able to confirm that this is something that Microsoft is still considering. At one point there was talk of a third paid membership tier, but apparently that talk died down after the recent Xbox Live price increase going forward. It is doubtful, according to our sources that Microsoft is still looking at this as an option, as they are committed to two-tier pricing for the time being.